Energy generator systems with a voltage-controlled switch

ABSTRACT

A first energy generating system comprises a ferromagnetic generator coupled to a voltage controlled switch. The ferromagnetic generator includes a ferromagnetic element generating a magnetic field and positioned within a pulse generating coil and near an explosive charge. Detonation of the explosive charge decreases the magnetic field and induces a pulse of electric energy in the pulse generating coil. When the magnitude of the electric energy reaches a certain level, the voltage controlled switch closes. A second energy generating system comprises a flux compression generator coupled to a voltage controlled switch. The flux compression generator includes a inductance coil generating a magnetic field within a metallic armature that includes an explosive charge. Detonation of the explosive charge changes the magnetic field and induces a pulse of electric energy in the inductance coil. When the magnitude of the electric energy reaches a certain level, the voltage controlled switch closes.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation patent application that claimspriority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, ofearlier-filed U.S. Pat. No. 8,008,843, issued Aug. 30, 2011, andentitled “FERROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATOR WITH VOLTAGE-CONTROLLEDSWITCH,” which is a continuation-in-part patent application claimingpriority benefit, with regard to all common subject matter, ofearlier-filed U.S. Pat. No. 7,999,445, issued Aug. 16, 2011, andentitled “FERROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATOR WITH VOLTAGE-CONTROLLEDSWITCH.” The identified earlier-filed patents are hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety into the present application.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The present invention was developed with support from the U.S.government under Contract Nos. W9113M-07-C-0215 and W9113M-08-C-0006with the U.S. Department of Defense. Accordingly, the U.S. governmenthas certain rights in the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to energy generator systems.More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to energygenerators that are explosively driven to deliver electrical energy to aload through a voltage-controlled switch.

2. Description of the Related Art

Explosive-driven pulsed power energy generators, such as ferroelectricenergy generators, ferromagnetic energy generators, flux compressiongenerators, and the like supply large amounts of electrical energy andmay be used in many commercial and scientific applications. Oneexemplary application that may utilize a ferroelectric energy generatoris a microwave transmitter system. The output of the ferroelectricenergy generator may be coupled to an antenna that transmits microwaveradiation when it receives electrical energy. Although conventionalferroelectric energy generators may produce a large amplitude pulse ofvoltage, they may not be able to quickly deliver electric current to theantenna. As a result, the antenna may not receive the rapid electricalenergy pulse that it needs to oscillate and transmit microwaves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-mentioned problemsand provide a distinct advance in the art of energy generators. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the invention provide energy generatorsystems that include a voltage-controlled switch that is able to delivera rapid change in electrical current over time, dl/dt.

In a first embodiment, the present invention may provide an energygenerating system broadly comprising a ferromagnetic generatorconfigured to generate a pulse of voltage between a pair of outputterminals, and a voltage-controlled switch that is connected in serieswith one of the output terminals of the ferromagnetic generator whereinthe voltage-controlled switch closes when the generated voltage pulsereaches a breakdown level.

In a second embodiment, the present invention may provide an energygenerating system broadly comprising a flux compression generatorconfigured to generate a pulse of voltage between a pair of outputterminals, and a voltage-controlled switch that is connected in serieswith one of the output terminals of the flux compression generatorwherein the voltage-controlled switch closes when the generated voltagepulse reaches a breakdown level.

In a third embodiment, the present invention may provide an energygenerating system broadly comprising a ferromagnetic generatorconfigured to generate a pulse of voltage between a pair of outputterminals, a power conditioning stage coupled to at least one of theoutput terminals of the ferromagnetic generator and configured toreceive the pulse of voltage and to match the impedance of theferromagnetic generator to the impedance of a load coupled to the energygenerating system, and a voltage-controlled switch coupled to the powerconditioning stage wherein the voltage-controlled switch closes when thegenerated voltage pulse reaches a breakdown level.

In a fourth embodiment, the present invention may provide an energygenerating system broadly comprising a flux compression generatorconfigured to generate a pulse of voltage between a pair of outputterminals, a power conditioning stage coupled to at least one of theoutput terminals of the flux compression generator and configured toreceive the pulse of voltage and to match the impedance of the fluxcompression generator to the impedance of a load coupled to the energygenerating system, and a voltage-controlled switch coupled to the powerconditioning stage wherein the voltage-controlled switch closes when thegenerated voltage pulse reaches a breakdown level.

In a fifth embodiment, the present invention may provide an energygenerating system broadly comprising a ferroelectric generatorconfigured to generate a pulse of voltage between a pair of outputterminals, a power conditioning stage coupled to at least one of theoutput terminals of the ferroelectric generator and configured toreceive the pulse of voltage and to match the impedance of theferroelectric generator to the impedance of a load coupled to the energygenerating system, and a voltage-controlled switch coupled to the powerconditioning stage wherein the voltage-controlled switch closes when thegenerated voltage pulse reaches a breakdown level.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of the embodiments and theaccompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below withreference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a ferroelectric energy generator systemconstructed in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the energy generator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the energy generator of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a voltage-controlled switch;

FIG. 5 is a block schematic diagram of a first embodiment of theferroelectric energy generator system positioned in a detonation tank;

FIG. 6 is a plot of the voltage versus time for a first output waveformof the ferroelectric energy generator system;

FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of a second embodiment of theferroelectric energy generator system positioned in a detonation tank;

FIG. 8 a schematic diagram of a circuit that is equivalent to the secondembodiment of the ferroelectric energy generator system;

FIG. 9 is a plot of the voltage versus time for a second output waveformof the ferroelectric energy generator system;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a ferromagnetic generator;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a flux compression generator;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a sixth embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a seventh embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of various embodiments of a powerconditioning stage;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the powerconditioning stage;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an eighth embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a ninth embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a tenth embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an eleventh embodiment of the energygenerating system;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a twelfth embodiment of the energygenerating system; and

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a thirteenth embodiment of the energygenerating system.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specificembodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the invention references theaccompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describeaspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized andchanges can be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is definedonly by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled.

The present application is related to U.S. Patent Application titled“FERROELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATOR, SYSTEM, AND METHOD,” Ser. No.11/461,349, filed Jul. 31, 2006. The identified earlier-filedapplication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into thepresent application.

A ferroelectric energy generator system 10 may be utilized as an energysource with power conditioning abilities to supply energy to othercomponents, systems, or loads 11, as seen in FIG. 1. Power conditioningmay involve controlling a property or aspect of the energy that a sourceis able to deliver. For example, the ferroelectric energy generatorsystem 10 with power conditioning abilities may be able to deliver apulse of electric voltage or a pulse of electric current.

One application that may utilize the ferroelectric energy generatorsystem 10 is a microwave transmitter. The output of the ferroelectricenergy generator system 10 may be coupled to an antenna, that acts asthe load 11. The ferroelectric energy system 10 may deliver a burst ofelectric current that is switched on very quickly. Hence, the change inelectrical current over time, dl/dt, may be very large. The rapiddelivery of electrical current to the antenna may drive the antenna intooscillation that generates microwave radiation.

The ferroelectric energy generator system 10, constructed in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention and shown in FIGS. 1-3and 7, broadly comprises an explosive unit 12, a ferroelectric element14, a generator body 16, a first output terminal 18, a second outputterminal 20, and a voltage-controlled switch 22.

The explosive unit 12 generally provides directional explosive shockwave energy to the ferroelectric element 14. Accordingly, the explosiveunit 12 may be coupled to the generator body 16 in close proximity tothe ferroelectric element 14. The explosive unit 12 may include anexplosive charge 24 and a detonator 26.

The explosive charge 24 may be any explosive element operable toinitiate a shock wave that propagates at least partially through theferroelectric element 14. The explosive charge 24 may include highexplosive elements to reduce the volume and amount of material requiredto initiate the desired shock wave discussed below. In variousembodiments, the explosive charge 24 may include or is otherwise formedfrom a cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) high explosive or otherdetonable high explosive.

The explosive charge 24 may present a shape having a tapered width, suchthat the explosive charge 24 may include a narrow end and an opposingwidened end, with the widened end being of greater dimension, such aswidth, than the narrow end. In various embodiments, the explosive charge24 may present a generally conical configuration having a base 28 and anapex 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the explosive charge 24 may be positionedsuch that the base 28 is directed towards the ferroelectric element 14and the apex 30 is directed away from the ferroelectric element 14. Theexplosive charge 24 is coupled with the detonator 26 in proximity to theapex 30. Such a configuration facilitates generation of the desiredtransverse shock wave discussed below. Utilization of a malleableexplosive also facilitates formation of the various embodiments of thepresent invention by enabling the explosive charge 24 to be easilyformed into the desired conical configuration. However, as should beappreciated, the explosive charge 24 may present any shape and bemalleable or non-malleable.

The detonator 26 is generally coupled with the explosive charge 24 toenable detonation of the explosive charge 24 and generation of thedesired shock wave. As discussed above, the detonator 26 may be coupledwith the apex 30 of the explosive charge 24. However, the detonator 26may be directly or indirectly coupled in any configuration with theexplosive charge 24. In various embodiments, the detonator 26 includesan RD-501 EBW detonator. However, the detonator 26 may include anyelements operable to detonate the explosive charge 24 and may bespecifically configured for compatibility with the explosive charge 24.The detonator 26 may be coupled with an external control system tocontrol the function and timing of the detonation of the explosivecharge 24.

The ferroelectric element 14 may include any ferroelectric orpiezoelectric material. “Ferroelectric material” as utilized hereinrefers to any material that possesses a spontaneous dipole moment. Thespontaneous dipole moment provided by ferroelectric materials is incontrast to the permanent magnetic moment provided by ferromagneticmaterials. In various embodiments, the ferroelectric element 14 iscomprised of lead zirconate titanate, PbZr_(0.52)Ti_(0.48)O₃(PZT).Utilization of lead zirconate titanate is desirable in variousembodiments as it provides a marked piezoelectric effect. Specifically,when compressed and/or depolarized, lead zirconate titanate will developa substantial voltage difference across two of its faces, as isdiscussed below in more detail. However, in some embodiments, theferroelectric element 14 may comprise barium titanate, BaTiO₃, or otherferroelectric or piezoelectric materials. The ferroelectric element 14may be comprised of hard or soft lead zirconate titanate.

The ferroelectric element 14 may present a generally rectangularconfiguration to enable the ferroelectric element 14 to present opposedends and four sides extending therebetween. However, as should beappreciated, the ferroelectric element 14 may be formed in any shape orconfiguration, including cylindrical and non-uniform configurations.

The polarization of the ferroelectric element 14 is represented by apolarization vector 32. As shown in FIG. 1, the polarization vector 32is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ferroelectricelement 14. As discussed in more detail below, such a configurationfacilitates the generation of energy by allowing a shock wave 34generated by detonation of the explosive charge 24 to propagategenerally transverse to the polarization vector 32 instead of generallyparallel to the polarization vector 32. However, the ferroelectricelement 14 may be polarized in any direction or orientation.

When the ferroelectric energy generator system 10 is operable, in someembodiments, the generated shock wave 34 may not necessarily betransverse to the polarization vector 32 of the ferroelectric element14. For instance, the generated shock wave 34 may propagate through theferroelectric element 14 at any angle relative to the polarizationvector 32, including non-transverse, parallel, or any other angle,depending on the particular configuration of the ferroelectric element14 and explosive charge 24.

Consequently, the present invention enables the ferroelectric element 14to be compressed and depolarized through direct shock wave action,thereby increasing the reliability, effectiveness, and efficiency of theferroelectric energy generator system 10. As should be appreciated, theferroelectric element 14 does not need to be completely or totallycompressed and depolarized by the shock wave 34. Thus, embodiments ofthe present invention may generate energy through only partialdepolarization and compression of the ferroelectric element 14.

The ferroelectric element 14 may present any size. For example, thesize, such as the volume, length, and width of the ferroelectric element14 may be varied to provide certain or desired voltages. In variousembodiments, the ferroelectric element 14 presents a generally elongatedrectangular configuration having dimensions of approximately 12.7 mm by12.7 mm by 51 mm. In some embodiments, the ferroelectric element 14 maybe an EC-64 bar of lead zirconate titanate sold by ITT Corporation ofNew York, N.Y. In other embodiments, the ferroelectric element 14 may bea PZT 95/5 element from TRS Technologies, Inc. of State College, Pa.

The ferroelectric element 14 may include a third output terminal 36 anda fourth output terminal 38 that are coupled to the sides of theferroelectric element 14, such that shock wave compression anddepolarization of the ferroelectric element 14 generates a voltageacross the third output terminal 36 and the fourth output terminal 38.Accordingly, the third output terminal 36 and the fourth output terminal38 may possess a polarity. For example, the third output terminal 36 maygenerate a relatively positive voltage and the fourth output terminal 38may generate a relatively negative voltage, or vice-versa.

In various embodiments, a plurality of ferroelectric elements 14 may beutilized in the same ferroelectric energy generator system 10, as shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 7, wherein three ferroelectric elements 14 areutilized. The additional ferroelectric elements 14 may be included inorder to meet greater energy output requirements or other designcriteria or specifications. In such embodiments, the ferroelectricelements 14 are typically positioned and oriented such that theirpolarization vectors 32 are aligned. Furthermore, the ferroelectricelements 14 may be connected in a series fashion, with the positiveterminal of one ferroelectric element 14 connected to the negativeterminal of the next, such that the voltage output of the plurality offerroelectric elements 14 is the sum of the voltage outputs of eachindividual ferroelectric element 14. In alternative embodiments, theplurality of ferroelectric elements 14 may be connected in a parallelfashion, with the positive terminals of all the ferroelectric elements14 connected together and the negative terminals of all theferroelectric elements 14 connected together, such that the currentoutput of the plurality of ferroelectric elements 14 is the sum of thecurrent output of each of the ferroelectric elements 14.

The body 16 of the ferroelectric energy generator system 10 generallyprovides a medium in which to connect the ferroelectric element 14 withthe voltage-controlled switch 22, the first output terminal 18, and thesecond output terminal 20. The body 16 further holds the ferroelectricelement 14 in proximity to the explosive unit 12. In variousembodiments, the ferroelectric energy generator system 10 may furtherinclude a housing (not shown) to surround the body 16 and the explosiveunit 12 to protect the ferroelectric energy generator system 10 duringtransport and handling.

The body 16 may present any shape or configuration. In some embodiments,the body 16 may present a generally cylindrical or tubular configurationas shown in FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments employing a cylindricalconfiguration, the body 16 has a length of approximately 100 mm and anouter diameter of approximately 55 mm. Thus, the present invention maybe compactly employed to provide large amounts of electrical energy.However, the body 16 may be any size in order to include any number offerroelectric elements 14.

The body 16 may be at least partially filled with a dielectric fillingto facilitate positioning and shock matching of the ferroelectricelement 14. For instance, the dielectric filling may include epoxy orany other hardening substance to solidify the position of theferroelectric element 14 and the explosive charge 24.

The voltage-controlled switch 22 generally enables the ferroelectricenergy generator system 10 to deliver energy from the ferroelectricelement 14 to the load 11 or another component or system much morequickly than the system 10 would without the switch 22. Thus, theferroelectric element 14 acts as a source of voltage for thevoltage-controlled switch 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the voltage-controlledswitch 22 may include a fifth output terminal 40, a sixth outputterminal 42, a first electrode 44, a second electrode 46, a dielectricfilm 48, and a switch body 50. As explained in more detail below, thevoltage-controlled switch 22 is normally open but closes when thevoltage across the fifth output terminal 40 and the sixth outputterminal 42 reaches or exceeds a breakdown level.

The fifth output terminal 40 and the sixth output terminal 42 generallycouple the voltage-controlled switch 22 to other components. The fifthoutput terminal 40 may be coupled to the third output terminal 36 (ofthe ferroelectric element 14), while the sixth output terminal 42 may becoupled to the first output terminal 18 (of the ferroelectric energygenerator system 10). The fifth output terminal 40 and the sixth outputterminal 42 may typically be manufactured from electrically-conductivematerial.

The first electrode 44 and the second electrode 46 generally holdelectrical charge such that there is a potential difference, or voltage,between the first electrode 44 and the second electrode 46. Accordingly,the first electrode 44 and the second electrode 46 may typically bemanufactured from electrically-conductive material. In variousembodiments, the first electrode 44 may be spherical shaped and thesecond electrode 46 may be of square or rectangular plate shape. Ingeneral, the first electrode 44 and the second electrode 46 may assumeany shape or dimension. However, one of either the first electrode 44 orthe second electrode 46 may have a curved, spherical, or otherwiserounded shape to counter physical edge-effect phenomena that a flatterelectrode 44 may possess. These phenomena may lead to a reduced and/orinconsistent switching voltage or to premature closing of thevoltage-controlled switch 22. The shape and dimension of the firstelectrode 44 and the second electrode 46 may depend on the switchingvoltage or other parameter of the specific application of thevoltage-controlled switch 22.

The dielectric film 48 generally controls the function of thevoltage-controlled switch 22. When the voltage between the firstelectrode 44 and the second electrode 46 remains below the breakdownlevel, the dielectric film 48 is insulating, and the voltage-controlledswitch 22 remains open. When the voltage between the first electrode 44and the second electrode 46 reaches the breakdown level, the dielectricfilm 48 loses its insulating properties and becomes conductive, therebyclosing the voltage-controlled switch 22. Since the ferroelectricelement 14 supplies the voltage to the voltage-controlled switch 22, theferroelectric element 14 must be able to supply at least the breakdownvoltage level, and preferably even more than the breakdown level.

In some embodiments, the dielectric film 48 may include a plurality ofindividual films positioned adjacent to one another. The dielectric film48 is generally positioned between the first electrode 44 and the secondelectrode 46, and in contact with both, although in some embodiments,there may be a layer of epoxy or similar insulating compound between thedielectric film 48 and the first electrode 44 and the second electrode46. In various embodiments, the dielectric film 48 may be of similarshape to the second electrode 46, as seen in FIG. 4. Although, ingeneral, the dielectric film 48 may be shaped similar to either thefirst electrode 44 or the second electrode 46 or both.

The dielectric film 48 may be created using any dielectric material. Invarious embodiments, the dielectric film 48 may be created using soliddielectric materials including a polymer or polyimide such as Kapton,mylar, parylene, Teflon, or a similar material. The dielectric film 48may also include solid dielectric compounds such as epoxy orpolyurethane. In addition, the dielectric film 48 may includecombinations of the polymers with the compounds.

The dielectric strength of the material and the thickness of thedielectric film 48 may determine the voltage at which the dielectricfilm 48 breaks down and becomes conductive. Generally, a thicker film 48and a higher dielectric strength will lead to a higher breakdownvoltage. The thickness of the dielectric film 48 may also determine theclosing time of the switch 22, or the time it takes for the dielectricfilm 48 to change from mostly insulating to mostly conductive.Generally, a thinner film 48 will lead to a shorter closing time or afaster voltage-controlled switch 22. Furthermore, the thickness of thefilm 48 may determine the electrical resistance and inductance of theconductive channel once the film 48 breaks down. Generally, a thinnerfilm 48 will lead to smaller resistance and inductance. These propertiesmay determine the performance of the voltage-controlled switch 22.

As may be appreciated, the thickness of the dielectric film 48 and thedielectric strength, as determined by the material used, may be chosento achieve a desired breakdown voltage, closing time, or otherperformance parameter. Exemplary embodiments of the voltage-controlledswitch 22 have preferable closing times from about 100 picoseconds (ps)to about 50 nanoseconds (ns), more preferable closing times from about100 ps to about 5 ns, and most preferable closing times from about 100ps to about 500 ps, depending on the properties of the film 48 employed,such as thickness of the film 48 and dielectric strength. It is believedthat some embodiments of the switch 22 have a closing time in the rangeof 10 ps. Embodiments of the dielectric film 48 made of Kapton have athickness of approximately 75 microns and a breakdown voltage ofapproximately 35 kiloVolts (kV), a thickness of approximately 125microns and a breakdown voltage of approximately 75 kV, and a thicknessof approximately 150 microns and a breakdown voltage of approximately100 kV.

The thickness of the dielectric film 48 and its dielectric strength werechosen to produce the ranges of closing time and breakdown voltagediscussed above in order to work with a particular application. Forother applications, the voltage-controlled switch 22 may have a higheror a lower breakdown voltage than discussed above. Thevoltage-controlled switch 22 may also have a closing time that is longerthan discussed above—perhaps even on the order of microseconds.

The switch body 50 generally provides a medium in which to properlyhouse the fifth output terminal 40, the sixth output terminal 42, thefirst electrode 44, the second electrode 46, and the dielectric film 48.The switch body 50 further electrically insulates and providesstructural strength for the components during handling and installationof the voltage-controlled switch 22. The switch body 50 may bemanufactured from a dielectric material such as polyurethane.

The voltage-controlled switch 22 may present any shape or size. Forexample, the voltage-controlled switch 22 may be spherical, tubular orcylindrical, cubic or rectangular-box shaped. The volume of thevoltage-controlled switch 22 may range from about 1 centimeter³ (cm³)down to about 0.25 cm³ or smaller.

In various embodiments, the ferroelectric energy generator system 10 mayinclude a plurality of voltage-controlled switches 22 in order tocontrol the performance characteristics of the system 10. For example,the amplitude, the rise time, or other waveform characteristics ofeither the voltage or the current output of the ferroelectric energygenerator system 10 may be modified by increasing the number ofvoltage-controlled switches in the system 10. The additionalvoltage-controlled switches may be connected in series, in parallel, orconfigurations that are a series-parallel combination.

The first output terminal 18 and the second output terminal 20 generallyprovide electrical output of the ferroelectric energy generator system10 in order to electrically couple the ferroelectric energy generatorsystem 10 to another component or system. Thus, the first outputterminal 18 and the second output terminal 20 are typically constructedof metallic material, such as wiring or cabling. As is known in the art,the first output terminal 18 and the second output terminal 20 may becoated or covered with insulating material with the end of each terminalexposed. The first output terminal 18 and the second output terminal 20may be positioned in proximity to one another to protrude from one endof the body 16—typically the end of the body 16 opposing the explosiveunit 12. The first output terminal 18 may be coupled to the sixth outputterminal 42 (from the voltage-controlled switch 22). The second outputterminal 20 may be coupled to the fourth output terminal 38 (from theferroelectric element 14). Furthermore, the first output terminal 18 andthe second output terminal 20 may possess a polarity. In variousembodiments, the first output terminal 18 may have a relatively positivevoltage while the ferroelectric energy generator system 10 is active,and the second output terminal 20 may have a relatively negative voltagewhile the ferroelectric energy generator system 10 is active. In otherembodiments, the polarity of the first output terminal 18 and the secondoutput terminal 20 may be reversed.

The ferroelectric energy generator system 10 may operate as follows. Thedetonator 26 of the explosive unit 12 may be energized from an externalsource. Consequently, the explosive charge 24 may be detonated resultingin an explosive shock wave 34 propagating toward the ferroelectricelement 14. The shock wave 34 may compress the ferroelectric element 14generally transverse to its polarization vector 32. Upon compression,the ferroelectric element 14 may generate a high amplitude pulse ofvoltage across the third output terminal 36 and the fourth outputterminal 38.

The generation of voltage from the ferroelectric element 14 may lead toan accumulation of charge on the first electrode 44 of thevoltage-controlled switch 22, thus creating a voltage across theterminals of the switch 22 (the fifth output terminal 40 and the sixthoutput terminal 42). Initially, the dielectric film 48 may be insulatingand the voltage-controlled switch 22 may be open. As charge builds onthe first electrode 44, the voltage across the terminals of the switch22 and in turn, across the dielectric film 48, increases to the level ofthe breakdown voltage of the dielectric film 48. Once this happens, atleast a portion of the dielectric film 48 becomes conductive and anelectric path is established from the first electrode 44 to the secondelectrode 46, the sixth output terminal 42, the first output terminal18, and ultimately the load 11 of the ferroelectric energy generatorsystem 10. The buildup of charge in the voltage-controlled switch 22forces a pulse of electrical current to flow along the electrical pathin a short amount of time. Thus, the ferroelectric energy generatorsystem 10 may deliver a large change in current, dl/dt, to the load 11.Rise times, which may be the time during which the current increasesfrom 10% of its peak value to 90% of its peak value, of the change incurrent dl/dt may range from 100 ps to 10 ns.

Various embodiments of the ferroelectric energy generator system 10 weretested to compare the performance of a first embodiment 52 of the system10 without the voltage-controlled switch 22 to a second embodiment 54 ofthe system 10 that includes the voltage-controlled switch 22.

The first embodiment 52 of the ferroelectric energy generator system 10excluded the voltage-controlled switch 22, as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, thethird output terminal 36 was coupled directly to the first outputterminal 18. There were three EC-64 ferroelectric elements 14 connectedin series. The first embodiment 52 was placed in a detonation tank 56with the first output terminal 18 and the second output terminal 20extended through a plastic window 58, as seen in FIG. 5. An oscilloscopeprobe was connected to the first output terminal 18 and the secondoutput terminal 20 to measure the open circuit voltage output of thefirst embodiment 52 of the ferroelectric energy generator system 10. Theexplosive unit 12 was detonated and the output voltage was recorded anddisplayed as a first waveform 60 in FIG. 6. As can be seen, the firstwaveform 60 has a peak voltage of approximately 121 kV and a rise timeof approximately 2.2 microseconds (μs).

The second embodiment 54 of the ferroelectric energy generator system 10was substantially similar to the system 10 of FIG. 1 and was placed inthe detonation tank 56 with the first output terminal 18 and the secondoutput terminal 20 extended through the plastic window 58, as shown inFIG. 7. There were three EC-64 ferroelectric elements 14 connected inseries, and the voltage-controlled switch 22 had a breakdown voltage ofapproximately 35 kV. To measure the current output of the secondembodiment 54, the first output terminal 18 and the second outputterminal 20 were shorted together. An induced current probe 62, operableto measure the change in current over time, dl/dt, was inserted in theloop of the first output terminal 18 and the second output terminal 20.In various embodiments, the induced current probe 62 was a Prodyne I-265probe, manufactured by Prodyne, Inc. of Albuquerque, N. Mex. The inducedcurrent probe 62 measured dl/dt, from which the voltage could be derivedthrough the relationship: dl/dt×M, where M is the mutual inductance ofthe induced current probe 62.

An equivalent circuit to the second embodiment 54 of the ferroelectricenergy generator system 10 is shown in FIG. 8 with the ferroelectricelement 14 modeled as a voltage source 64 in series with a capacitance66 and an impedance 68. The voltage-controlled switch 22 is coupledthereto. The first output terminal 18 and the second output terminal 20shorted together are modeled as a transmission line impedance 70, withthe induced current probe 62 in series.

The explosive unit 12 of the second embodiment 54 was detonated anddl/dt was measured and recorded by the induced current probe 62. Theresults are shown in a second waveform 72 of FIG. 9. As can be seen, therise time of the second waveform 72 is on the order of 700 ps. Comparedwith the voltage rise time of approximately 2.2 μs for the system 10without the voltage-controlled switch 22, the system with thevoltage-controlled switch 22 is able to deliver a change in electriccurrent by several orders of magnitude. A system 10 such as the secondembodiment 54 may be utilized with a microwave transmitter to deliver aburst of electric current that may drive the antenna into oscillation inorder to generate microwave radiation.

A third embodiment of the energy generating system 100 is shown in FIG.10, and broadly comprises a ferromagnetic generator 102 and thevoltage-controlled switch 22. The system 100 may further include thefirst and second output terminals 18, 20 across which the load 11 may beconnected, similar to FIG. 1.

The ferromagnetic generator 102 generally supplies a pulse of electricenergy resulting from an explosively driven shock wave. An exemplaryferromagnetic generator 102, as shown in FIG. 11, may include aferromagnetic element 104, a pulse generating coil 106, and an explosivecharge 108.

The ferromagnetic generator 102 may additionally include a first outputterminal 110 and a second output terminal 112. The first output terminal110 of the ferromagnetic generator 102 may couple to the first outputterminal 40 of the switch 22. The second output terminal 42 of theswitch 22 may couple to the first output terminal 18 of the system 100.The second output terminal 112 of the ferromagnetic generator 102 maycouple to the second output terminal 20 of the system 100.

The ferromagnetic element 104 may be constructed from a hardferromagnetic material such as Nd_(x)Fe_(y)B (Neodymium, Iron, andBoron). In various embodiments, the ferromagnetic element 104 may be apermanent magnet. The pulse generating coil 106 may be an electricallyconductive coil that is wrapped around the ferromagnetic element 104.The explosive charge 108 may be substantially similar to the explosiveelement 24 described above and may be positioned in contact with theferromagnetic element 104.

A brief summary of the operation of the ferromagnetic generator 102follows. Initially, the ferromagnetic element 108 generates a magneticfield with a certain amount of flux. Detonation of the explosive charge108 quickly demagnetizes the ferromagnetic element 104. Accordingly, themagnetic field collapses and the flux rapidly changes from a fixed,certain value to near zero. As a result, and corresponding to Faraday'slaw, a high amplitude pulse of electrical energy may be generated orinduced in the pulse generating coil 106, which is delivered to thevoltage-controlled switch 22. In a similar fashion to the ferroelectricsystem 10 described above, the switch 22 may close quickly and deliver ahigh amplitude, very short pulse of electric current to a load 11connected to the system output terminals 18, 20. Exemplary embodimentsof the ferromagnetic generator 102 may be described in the paper,“Longitudinal-shock-wave compression of Nd₂Fe₁₄B high-energy hardferromagnet: The pressure-induced magnetic phase transition”, publishedin Applied Physics Letters, Feb. 24, 2003, Volume 82, Number 8, pages1248-1250, and “Transverse Shock Wave Demagnetization of Nd2Fe14BHigh-Energy Hard Ferromagnetics”, Journal of Applied Physics, June,2002, Volume 92, pages 159-162, both of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

A fourth embodiment of the energy generating system 200 is shown in FIG.12, and broadly comprises a flux compression generator 202 and thevoltage-controlled switch 22. The system 200 may further include thefirst and second output terminals 18, 20 across which the load 11 may beconnected, similar to FIG. 1.

The flux compression generator 202 may additionally include a firstoutput terminal 208 and a second output terminal 210. The first outputterminal 208 of the flux compression generator 202 may couple to thefirst output terminal 40 of the switch 22. The second output terminal 42of the switch 22 may couple to the first output terminal 18 of thesystem 200. The second output terminal 210 of the flux compressiongenerator 202 may couple to the second output terminal 20 of the system200.

The flux compression generator 202 generally supplies a pulse ofelectric energy resulting from an explosively driven shock wave. Anexemplary flux compression generator 202, as shown in FIG. 13, mayinclude a metallic armature 204, the explosive charge 108, an inductancecoil 206, and an external electric power source (not shown).

The metallic armature 204 may be tubular in shape and loaded with theexplosive charge 108. The inductance coil 206 may be an electricallyconductive coil that surrounds the metallic armature 204. The inductancecoil 206 receive an electric current from the external electric powersource which creates a magnetic field in the armature 204.

A brief summary of the operation of the flux compression generator 202follows. Initially, the inductance coil 206, with externally suppliedelectric current, establishes a magnetic field in the metallic armature204. The explosive charge 108 is detonated, thereby causing a rapidchange in the magnetic field of the armature 204, which in turn inducesa large change of current in the inductance coil 206. The large pulse ofelectrical energy is delivered to the voltage-controlled switch 22. Asdiscussed above, the switch 22 may close quickly and deliver a highamplitude, very short pulse of electric current to a load 11 connectedto the system output terminals 18, 20. An exemplary embodiment of theflux compression generator 202 may be described in the paper, “Electricdischarge caused by expanding armatures in flux compression generators”,published in Applied Physics Letters, Apr. 30, 2009, Volume 94, Number171502, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A fifth embodiment of the energy generating system 300 is shown in FIG.14 and may incorporate a power conditioning stage 302 into theferroelectric energy generator system 10. Thus, the system 300 maycomprise a ferroelectric generator 304, the voltage-controlled switch22, and the power conditioning stage 302. The ferroelectric generator304 may include the ferroelectric element 14 coupled to the explosivecharge 24, as described above.

The power conditioning stage 302 may include a first terminal 306 and asecond terminal 308 and may be positioned in the system 300 such thatthe first terminal 306 of the power conditioning stage 302 is coupled tothe third output terminal 36 of the ferroelectric generator 304 and thesecond terminal 308 of the power conditioning stage 302 is coupled tothe first terminal 40 of the switch 22. Alternate structures of thesystem 300 are possible as well. For example, the power conditioningstage 302 may be coupled in parallel with the ferroelectric generator304.

A sixth embodiment of the energy generating system 400 is shown in FIG.15 and may comprise the ferromagnetic generator 102, thevoltage-controlled switch 22, and the power conditioning stage 302. Thearchitecture of the system 400 may be substantially similar to that ofthe system 300. The first terminal 306 of the power conditioning stage302 may be coupled to the first output terminal 110 of the ferromagneticgenerator 102 and the second terminal 308 of the power conditioningstage 302 is coupled to the first terminal 40 of the switch 22. Thesystem 400 may have alternate structures, such as the power conditioningstage 302 being coupled in parallel with the ferromagnetic generator102.

A seventh embodiment of the energy generating system 500 is shown inFIG. 16 and may comprise the flux compression generator 202, thevoltage-controlled switch 22, and the power conditioning stage 302. Thearchitecture of the system 500 may be substantially similar to those ofthe system 300 and the system 400. The first terminal 306 of the powerconditioning stage 302 may be coupled to the first output terminal 208of the flux compression generator 202 and the second terminal 308 of thepower conditioning stage 302 is coupled to the first terminal 40 of theswitch 22. The system 500 may have alternate structures, such as thepower conditioning stage 302 being coupled in parallel with the fluxcompression generator 202.

The systems 300, 400, 500 may also drive the load 11 coupled to theterminals 18, 20. The addition of the power conditioning stage 302 tothe systems 300, 400, 500 helps to couple an electric energy source suchas the ferroelectric generator 304, the ferromagnetic generator 102, andthe flux compression generator 202 to the load 11. The powerconditioning stage 302 may match the impedance of the electric energysource to the impedance of the load 11 in order to transfer maximumpower from the source to the load 11. As seen in FIG. 17, the powerconditioning stage 302 may include components such as an outputtransformer 502, pulse forming lines 504, or a vector inversiongenerator 506, either separately or in combination. Additionally, thepower conditioning stage 302 may include an LCR circuit 508, as shown inFIG. 18.

The output transformer 502 may be similar to known electric transformersand may include a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primarywinding may be coupled to the electric energy source (the ferroelectricgenerator 304, the ferromagnetic generator 102, or the flux compressiongenerator 202), and the secondary winding may be connected to the load11 through the voltage-controlled switch 22. The impedance of both theprimary winding and the secondary winding may be varied with respect toone another from a relatively high value to a relatively low value inorder to match the impedance of the electric energy source to that ofthe load 11. For example, the output transformer 502 with a lowimpedance primary winding and a high impedance secondary winding may beused to match the low impedance of the flux compression generator 202 toa high impedance load 11.

The pulse forming lines 504 may include a portion of a plurality orsystem of coaxial cable lines and may serve as a low inductancecapacitive load which provides compression of the electric energy pulse,wherein the electric energy source charges the pulse forming lines 504while supplying energy to the voltage-controlled switch 22 andultimately to the load 11. When utilized with the flux compressiongenerator 202, the pulse forming lines 504 may be used in combinationwith the output transformer 502, such that the pulse forming lines 504is coupled in series with the switch 22.

The vector inversion generator 506 may be similar to a spiraltransformer that acts as a capacitive load to the electric energysource. The vector inversion generator 506 may often be integrated withthe voltage-controlled switch 22 such that the vector inversiongenerator 506 receives a voltage charge from the electric energy source(the ferroelectric generator 304, the ferromagnetic generator 102, orthe flux compression generator 202). When the voltage level is highenough, the switch 22 closes, transferring the electric energy pulse tothe load 11. The vector inversion generator 506 in combination with theswitch 22 generally increases the amplitude of the pulse of the electricenergy source by a factor of up to twenty and decreases the rise timefrom tens of microseconds to single digit nanoseconds. When utilizedwith the flux compression generator 202, the vector inversion generator506 may be used in combination with the output transformer 502.

The LCR circuit 508 may include a resistor R, an inductor L, and acapacitor C. The resistor R and the inductor L may be discretecomponents as are commonly known. However, most often, the resistor Rand the inductor L are the characteristic resistance and inductance ofthe wires or cables that connect the capacitor C to the other componentsin the systems 300, 400, 500. The capacitance of capacitor C may rangefrom 7 picofarads (pF) to 20 pF. The LCR circuit 508 generally increasesthe period of a pulse generated by the load 11, when the load 11includes an antenna. The LCR circuit 508 may also be utilized to varythe frequency of the generated pulse.

Additional system embodiments 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650 are shown inFIGS. 19-24. These systems include variations of the systems 10, 100,200, 300, 400, 500 discussed above.

System 600, as shown in FIG. 19, includes a power generator 700, theswitch 22, and the load 11. The power generator 700 may include any ofthe generators discussed above—the ferromagnetic generator 102, the fluxcompression generator 202, and the ferroelectric generator 304. Thepower generator 700, as embodied herein, produces electrical energy asthe result of a single explosive-driven event. As discussed above, thepower generator 700 may include an explosive charge 24 to supply aone-time explosion. From the explosion, the power generator 700 mayproduce a pulse of electrical energy, either high-voltage orhigh-current, after which the power generator 700 may be nonfunctional.Thus, the power generator 700 does not produce electrical energy in aperiodic, continuous, or steady state.

The system 600 is similar to the systems 10, 100, 200, except that theswitch 22 may be connected in parallel with the power generator 700 andthe load 11. The ferroelectric generator 304 is often used as the powergenerator 700 with the configuration of system 600. A microwave antennais often used as the load 11. The antenna may act like a low-capacitancecapacitor, such that the antenna may develop a small charge as thevoltage from the power generator 700 increases. Once the voltage fromthe power generator 700 reaches the breakdown voltage of the switch 22,the switch 22 closes and current flows through the switch 22, excitingthe antenna and thereby radiating a limited number of pulses, rangingfrom about 25 to about 50, in a burst of microwave power.

System 610, as shown in FIG. 20, includes the power generator 700, afirst switch 22A, a second switch 22B, and the load 11. The first switch22A may be connected in series between the power generator 700 and theload 11. The second switch 22B may be connected in parallel with theload 11. As discussed above, the power generator 700 may deliver anincreasing voltage. The first switch 22A and the second switch 22B mayclose according to a first breakdown voltage and a second breakdownvoltage, respectively, as determined by properties of each switch 22A,22B such as the thickness of the dielectric film 48 and the dielectricstrength of the film 48. With this configuration, the power generator700 may deliver two pulses of energy to the load 11. When a microwaveantenna is used as the load 11, the closing of the first switch 22A andthe second switch 22B may produce two bursts of microwave radiation.

System 620, as shown in FIG. 21, includes the power generator 700, theswitch 22, the power conditioning stage 302, and the load 11. The system620 is similar to the systems 300, 400, 500, except that the switch 22may be connected in series between the power generator 700 and the powerconditioning stage 302. This architecture quickens the burst of energydelivered to the power conditioning stage 302. Voltage from the powergenerator 700 may increase until the switch 22 closes, which providesthe power conditioning stage 302 with a voltage pulse on the order ofnanoseconds as opposed to microseconds.

System 630, as shown in FIG. 22, includes the power generator 700, thefirst switch 22A, the power conditioning stage 302, the second switch22B, and the load 11. The first switch 22A may be connected in seriesbetween the power generator 700 and the power conditioning stage 302.The second switch 22B may be connected in series between the powerconditioning stage 302 and the load 11. This circuit architecture mayprovide a quick pulse of voltage to the power conditioning stage 302 andthe load 11.

System 640, as shown in FIG. 23, includes the power generator 700, thefirst switch 22A, the power conditioning stage 302, the second switch22B, and the load 11. The first switch 22A may be connected in seriesbetween the power generator 700 and the power conditioning stage 302.The second switch 22B may be connected in parallel between the powerconditioning stage 302 and the load 11. This circuit may provide a quickpulse of voltage to the power conditioning stage 302 and current flowthrough the second switch 22B, which may provide excitation to the load11.

System 650, as shown in FIG. 24, includes the power generator 700, thefirst switch 22A, the power conditioning stage 302, the second switch22B, a third switch 22C, and the load 11. The first switch 22A may beconnected in series between the power generator 700 and the powerconditioning stage 302. The second switch 22B may be connected in seriesbetween the power conditioning stage 302 and the load 11. The thirdswitch 22C may be connected in parallel with the load 11. This circuitmay provide a quick pulse of voltage to the power conditioning stage 302and two pulses of energy to the load 11.

Although the invention has been described with reference to theembodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is notedthat equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention, what isclaimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includesthe following:

1. An energy generating system comprising: a pair of output terminals towhich a load is connected; a power generator configured to generate apulse of electrical energy; and a voltage-controlled switch coupled tothe power generator, wherein the voltage-controlled switch closes whenthe generated electrical energy pulse reaches a breakdown level and theswitch transfers electrical energy to the output terminals, thevoltage-controlled switch including: a first output terminal and asecond output terminal configured to couple the voltage-controlledswitch to at least one component, a first electrode and a secondelectrode coupled to the first output terminal and the second outputterminal, respectively, and configured to possess a voltagetherebetween, and a dielectric film positioned between the firstelectrode and the second electrode and configured to become electricallyconductive when the voltage between the first electrode and the secondelectrode reaches the breakdown level, wherein one of the firstelectrode or the second electrode has an arcuate shape facing thedielectric film.
 2. The energy generating system of claim 1, wherein thepower generator includes a ferromagnetic generator comprising: a pulsegenerating coil, an explosive charge, and a ferromagnetic elementconfigured to generate a magnetic field, the ferromagnetic elementpositioned within the pulse generating coil and in proximity to theexplosive charge, such that detonation of the explosive charge decreasesthe magnetic field and induces electrical energy in the pulse generatingcoil.
 3. The energy generating system of claim 1, wherein the powergenerator includes a ferroelectric generator comprising: a ferroelectricelement, an explosive charge, and a detonator coupled with the explosivecharge, wherein the detonator is configured to detonate the explosivecharge to generate a shock wave that propagates at least partiallythrough the ferroelectric element to generate electrical energy.
 4. Theenergy generating system of claim 1, wherein the power generatorincludes a flux compression generator comprising: a metallic armature,an explosive charge positioned within the metallic armature, and aninductance coil positioned surrounding the metallic armature andconfigured to induce a magnetic field in the metallic armature, whereindetonation of the explosive charge changes the magnetic field andinduces electrical energy in the inductance coil.
 5. The energygenerating system of claim 1, wherein the voltage-controlled switch is afirst voltage-controlled switch and is connected in series with one ofthe output terminals and further including a second voltage-controlledswitch connected in parallel with the pair of output terminals, whereinclosing of the first voltage-controlled switch transfers a first pulseof electrical energy to the output terminals and closing of the secondvoltage-controlled switch transfers a second pulse of electrical energyto the output terminals.
 6. The energy generating system of claim 1,wherein the dielectric film is solid material.
 7. The energy generatingsystem of claim 1, wherein closing the voltage-controlled switchdelivers electric current to a load coupled to the energy generatingsystem with a closing time between approximately 100 picoseconds toapproximately 500 picoseconds.
 8. An energy generating systemcomprising: a pair of output terminals to which a load is connected; aferromagnetic generator configured to generate a pulse of electricalenergy; and a voltage-controlled switch coupled to the power generator,wherein the voltage-controlled switch closes when the generatedelectrical energy pulse reaches a breakdown level and the switchtransfers electrical energy to the output terminals, thevoltage-controlled switch including: a first output terminal and asecond output terminal configured to couple the voltage-controlledswitch to at least one component, a first electrode and a secondelectrode coupled to the first output terminal and the second outputterminal, respectively, and configured to possess a voltagetherebetween, and a dielectric film positioned between the firstelectrode and the second electrode and configured to become electricallyconductive when the voltage between the first electrode and the secondelectrode reaches the breakdown level, wherein one of the firstelectrode or the second electrode has an arcuate shape facing thedielectric film.
 9. The energy generating system of claim 8, wherein theferromagnetic generator includes: a pulse generating coil, an explosivecharge, and a ferromagnetic element configured to generate a magneticfield, the ferromagnetic element positioned within the pulse generatingcoil and in proximity to the explosive charge, such that detonation ofthe explosive charge decreases the magnetic field and induces electricalenergy in the pulse generating coil.
 10. An energy generating systemcomprising: a pair of output terminals to which a load is connected; aferroelectric generator configured to generate a pulse of electricalenergy; and a voltage-controlled switch coupled to the power generator,wherein the voltage-controlled switch closes when the generatedelectrical energy pulse reaches a breakdown level and the switchtransfers electrical energy to the output terminals, thevoltage-controlled switch including: a first output terminal and asecond output terminal configured to couple the voltage-controlledswitch to at least one component, a first electrode and a secondelectrode coupled to the first output terminal and the second outputterminal, respectively, and configured to possess a voltagetherebetween, and a dielectric film positioned between the firstelectrode and the second electrode and configured to become electricallyconductive when the voltage between the first electrode and the secondelectrode reaches the breakdown level, wherein one of the firstelectrode or the second electrode has an arcuate shape facing thedielectric film.
 11. The energy generating system of claim 10, whereinthe ferroelectric generator includes: a ferroelectric element, anexplosive charge, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge,wherein the detonator is configured to detonate the explosive charge togenerate a shock wave that propagates at least partially through theferroelectric element to generate electrical energy.
 12. An energygenerating system comprising: a pair of output terminals to which a loadis connected; a flux compression generator configured to generate apulse of electrical energy; and a voltage-controlled switch coupled tothe power generator, wherein the voltage-controlled switch closes whenthe generated electrical energy pulse reaches a breakdown level and theswitch transfers electrical energy to the output terminals, thevoltage-controlled switch including: a first output terminal and asecond output terminal configured to couple the voltage-controlledswitch to at least one component, a first electrode and a secondelectrode coupled to the first output terminal and the second outputterminal, respectively, and configured to possess a voltagetherebetween, and a dielectric film positioned between the firstelectrode and the second electrode and configured to become electricallyconductive when the voltage between the first electrode and the secondelectrode reaches the breakdown level, wherein one of the firstelectrode or the second electrode has an arcuate shape facing thedielectric film.
 13. The energy generating system of claim 12, whereinthe flux compression generator includes: a metallic armature, anexplosive charge positioned within the metallic armature, and aninductance coil positioned surrounding the metallic armature andconfigured to induce a magnetic field in the metallic armature, whereindetonation of the explosive charge changes the magnetic field andinduces electrical energy in the inductance coil.